McQuaale comes from the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland's west coast and Hebrides islands. The name comes from the personal name Paul. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Phail, which is normally Anglicized MacFail or MacPhail, and means son of Paul.

Early Origins of the McQuaale family

The surname McQuaale was first found in the Isle of Man, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the McQuaale family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McQuaale research.Another 213 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1327 and 1500 are included under the topic Early McQuaale History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McQuaale Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years McQuaale has appeared as Quail, Quayle, Quaile, Quailes, McQuail, McQuayl and others.

Early Notables of the McQuaale family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early McQuaale Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McQuaale family to Ireland

Some of the McQuaale family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 127 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McQuaale family to the New World and Oceana

Many of the ancestors of Dalriadan families who arrived in North America still live in communities along the east coast of Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence many of the original settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the ancestors of many Scots began recovering their collective national heritage through Clan societies, highland games, and other patriotic events. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name McQuaale or a variant listed above: Anne Quaile and her husband, who came to Virginia in 1623; Hugh Quale settled in Barbados in 1679; Joe Quyle settled in Virginia in 1635; John Quayle settled in Virginia in 1650.

The McQuaale Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.